Canal de Nivernais on board canal boat "Magnifique"!!
I can't believe a year has gone by since our canal trip in France last year!
On Wednesday 16 September 2009,
six of us embarked on our week afloat on the
Canal de Nivernais in Burgundy.
We started our journey in the pretty village of Chatel Censoir
Accommodation for our first night was in the 17th century villa
Maison Saint-François.
Our very attentive hosts Michel and Michelle Samson have
restored this beautiful old building which they now run as a Chambre d'hôte.
The next morning we boarded our good vessel "Le Magnifique"
and set off on our canal adventure.
Our boat was well equipped with four cabins, all with en suites.
The large main saloon had a table and comfortable seating.
There was also a galley (aka kitchen) with great cooking facilities -
however, apart from making tea and coffee and the occasional
piece of toast - we neglected to use it... more on that later!
Entering our first canal - it looks so narrow, so our master
mariners took things very quietly....
waiting patiently while the water level rose to the top
this is typical of the lock keepers houses. Mostly, they are well
looked after with pots of brightly coloured annuals.
Several also had displays of friendly gnomes and animals as well!!
Our lock keeper waiting for the water to reach the top before he opens the gate.
Click on the photo to see the colourful flower baskets on the lock gates too!
Phew! We made it and the boat is still in one piece - no scratches!!
Bridges everywhere along the canal
Each morning we rode our bikes to the village boulangerie
where we boughtour baguettes, croissants, pain au chocolate,
and scrummy pastries for eating later in the day!!
Usually there was a market where we filled our baskets
with delicious ham, pate, tomatoes and lettuce for the baguettes.
Perfectly ripe rockmelons were our favourite fruit,
they were so sweet - ooh I would love a piece as I write this!!
Another pretty bridge... if you click on the photo you will see the
baskets of colourful geraniums!
You will also see our New Zealand flag proudly
displaying our logo "the Silver Fern".
Sometimes, we three girls rode our bikes along the tow path
between the villages.
We easily beat the boat which managed only 5-6 knots!!!
The landscape was never boring
Each evening we went ashore into the village for dinner.
Usually we had a choice of restaurant and always the food was amazing.
We had only one rule on the boat, we three girls decided
we were not cooking meals during our 7 day cruise,
I'm sure you all agree wholeheartedly with that rule!!! Yea!!!
Approaching Auxerre where we spent our last night together.
There was a huge number of canal boats here and we met some
interesting people.
Auxerre is an old town, the Church of St-Germain has frescoes
that were painted in 850 AD, some of the oldest in France.
Early evening we enjoyed an illustrated talk in the Gothic
Cathédrale St-Étienne.
Then we enjoyed our 'last supper' together at a quay side
restaurant with amazing traditional French food.
Back to the boat for our last sleep afloat....
Au revoir "Canal de Nivernais", you treated us well and
we enjoyed our time with you!
PS: My friend Freda of "Sew Whats New" is having a
Giveaway to celebrate her 300th post! Please hop
over to her blog here check out her amazing work
and enter her draw!
